Hutchinson, Cann locked in for Burra coaching roles in 2019

Sebastopol has locked in senior coach Leigh Hutchinson for a second Ballarat Football League season.

Hutchinson is part of a double reappointment for the Burra, with long-standing A grade netball coach Georgia Cann also secured for next year.

Sebastopol president Darren Hammill said the reappointments were a boon for the club.

He said Hutchinson had done a great job building on the foundation of predecessor Shane Snibson, with the addition of quality recruits putting Sebastopol in finals contention.

Hammill said the early appointment would allow planning for next season to get into full swing.

Hutchinson joined the Burra after three years as an assistant coach with North Ballarat Roosters in the VFL, where had a close association with Sebastopol recruits Tony Lockyer, James Keeble, Lachie Cassidy, Matt Austin and Nick Hausler.

Sebastopol is one win outside the top six with three rounds remaining, and faces top side and premiership favourite East Point at Marty Busch Reserve on Saturday.

Hammill said while the Burra was eager to play finals for the first time since 2000, no matter what the outcome of this season it had been a success.

“We’re proud of what we’ve been able to achieve.”

He said rebuilding under-age ranks continued to be a top priority. Sebastopol had just one under-16.5 team this year and was again without under-18.5s.

Hammill said the senior players had also encompassed the challenge of helping bolster junior ranks, which was essential for the club.

Hammill said Cann was a fine leader and been instrumental in building the whole netball program.

Sebastopol is fourth on the BFNL A grade netball ladder and will play finals.

Ballarat is home to Melton and Sunbury home to Bacchus Marsh on Saturday, and Lake Wendouree home to North Ballarat City on Sunday.